Land Rover invention makes front of car 'transparent'

As part of Land Rover's Discovery Vision Concept car at the New York
International Motor Show this week, the manufacturer has unveiled
technology that will allow the driver to, in effect, see through
the bonnet of the 4x4 to what exact terrain lies underneath.

Cameras mounted in the vehicle's grille will capture
data, which is then shown via a head-up display on the windscreen
overlaying the images on the field of view normally taken up by the
car's bonnet -- effectively creating a transparent view of the
ground through the engine bay.

Dr Wolfgang Epple, director of research and
technology for Jaguar Land Rover said: "We are developing new
technologies, including the 'transparent bonnet', to give drivers
an AR view to help them tackle anything from tough off-road routes
to the tight confines of a car park."

At this time Land Rover is unable to give specific
details of the cameras used for this HUD system, but if it comes to
production cars it will aid a driver climbing a steep hill or
manoeuvring in a confined space to see an augmented reality view
capturing not only the view under the front of the car but also the
angle and position of the wheels.

Being able to tell the exact wheel placement and
composition of the land immediately under the car gives a
significant advantage to off-road navigation.